•             BAGGAGE             
    Advice on 'check-in' &  'carry on',
     mislaid & damaged baggage...     


    UPDATED: 4th June 2008

    On 6th January 2008, the Department for Transport announced changes to the UK's aviation security measures,
    with details on the size of cabin baggage that can be taken onboard an aircraft.

    All passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and those transferring from international flights at a UK airport are required to be aware of the following:

    Cabin Baggage
    Many airlines now differ on the number of pieces/size & weight of luggage that can be carried into the cabin.
    To add further to the confusion many airports also have different instructions for 'carry-on baggage'.
    Advice can be obtained from the following:
    Department of Transport web site

    Call MIKE COLES TRAVEL - we will help as much as possible.

    Call the reservations of the Airline with which you are travelling.

    Call the UK Airport from which you are travelling from/to.
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    Mobility aids
    Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.

    Liquids
    As from 1st November 2006 - Passengers can now take through airport security liquids such as
    toiletries including, perfume, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving foam and lip gloss, provided they are no bigger than 100 ml each.
    All individual liquid items must fit comfortably into one transparent, re-sealable bag no larger than 1 litre or approx 20cm x 20 cm (about the size of a small freezer bag). The bag must fit into the one permitted piece of cabin baggage (a maximum of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm), but passengers will be asked to present the bag separately when going through airport security.
    Liquids of any amount can be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.


    Large electrical items / Laptops
    Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately.

    Musical instruments
    Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size (maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.) are usually allowed as a second item of cabin baggage, and will need to be screened. Larger instruments (e.g. cellos) usually permitted into the cabin following screening. You should contact the airline for clarification and discuss your requirements.

    Oversized baggage
    All other items of oversized luggage are required to be placed in the aircraft hold.

    Flights to the US
    Passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger.

    These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place, and passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.

    Additionally, if passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at airports they should contact the airport or their airline.

                                                                       

CHECKED IN BAGGAGE
The free baggage allowance per passenger is usually stated on the E Ticket documents which is shown either in kilos -
WEIGHT SYSTEM
ie Economy class - 20 kgs = 20 kilos approx 44 lbs.
Or the number of pieces 2pcs 2pcs = 2 Items.
PIECE SYSTEM
2 pcs are usually counted as 2 pieces with max of 66 lbs (30 kilos) per piece but check on your tickets.
If the ticket is marked ‘PC’ this usually means ‘2’ pieces. check with this office or direct with the airline.
MAX WEIGHT
No single item of baggage may exceed 66 lbs (30 kilos) and total dimension of 62 inches = 158 cms whilst the maximum dimension of both added together must not exceed 106 inches (270 cms). (height + width + depth)
HAND LUGGAGE
You may also take 1/2 pieces of hand baggage. Airlines vary with regard to hand baggage. Usually between 5 & 12 kilos (18 kilos some airlines to USA) but passengers must check. Maximum dimension must not exceed 45 inches (56cm x 45cm x 25cm). Children are given full allowance. Infants (under 2 yrs) do not normally get baggage allowance, though allowance is made for essentials.
Each airline has their own specifications therefore you must check with them. Check out their web site.
LABELLING LUGGAGE
Luggage labels: When leaving home, for security reasons, complete only the outbound side of your labels. Home address details should be inside your baggage. Wait until you are about to come home before filling in the reverse side of luggage labels showing your home address. Never leave your baggage unattended.
Never check-in baggage for other people. Keep money, jewellery, cameras, passport and other valuables with you. Don't pack them with hold baggage. Carry traveller 's cheques and credit cards rather than large amounts of cash.
AEROSOLS
Aerosols: Up to 2 containers maximum size 500 ml each may be carried in your hand luggage.
(Try to take atomisers if possible) Butane Gas Hair Curlers: Curlers - but not refills - can be carried on most airlines and should be packed in your hand luggage.
DO NOT PACK...
DO NOT pack the following items in your hand luggage: Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic), Catapults, Household cutlery, Knives with blades of any length, Razor blades, Tools, Scissors, Tweezers, Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons), Knitting needles, Darts, Sporting bats, Billiard/snooker or pool cues.
If you are unsure of any items (or the weight) you wish to carry please call this office or contact your Airline direct.
'Electrical Items '
Passengers are now advised to remove all electrical goods from ' checked baggage ' as a security measure.
Electrical items should be carried in hand luggage only.
EXCESS BAGGAGE
Airlines rarely grant 'Free excess baggage'. Normal charges for 'checked baggage' in excess of the ticketed weight (usually 20 kilos per passenger) are very high. Irrespective of the fare paid and class used by the passenger the charge is 1% of the one-way, normal, direct adult first class through fare for each kilo in excess of the free allowance.
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For your guidance there are at least two major companies specialising in reduced rates for             'Unaccompanied Excess Baggage'          
a - Excess Baggage Co: Heathrow Terminal 2/3 = 0208 759 3344. Gatwick Airport North & South = 01293 569 900 (both 0530-2200 hrs)
b - The London Baggage Company: Tel 0207 828 2400. (Victoria Railway Station)
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 Airlines differ as to their allowance. Check direct with the airline by phone or web site for clarification of weight & size.
Airlines frequently change their baggage allowances to passengers, and there are often inconsistencies in the way airlines handle or charge for excess weight or unusual baggage.

WHERE'S MY BAGGAGE...a new service operated by more than 97 of the world's airlines.
If the Airline has mislaid or damaged your baggage and you have been given a reference number, you may be able to track it through...ENTER HERE...Express Baggage Ltd

Or the airline may have their own lost luggage information detail on their web site.
HOW TO PREVENT your luggage from being lost 
             ...ENTER HERE...How to Prevent Lost Luggage

Call 
MIKE COLES WORLDWIDE TRAVEL
phone - 01392 219 499 /01392 422 090
sales@mikecolestravel.co.uk
for
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